Author: Neel Achary

Farm to Table Experience at Caraway Kitchen, Conrad Bengaluru

Offering a burst of fresh and robust flavours, Cararway Kitchen at Conrad Bengaluru brings together an amalgamation of flavours with all things organic. Curating a farm to fork experience with produce sourced locally, the newly crafted Five Farms menu is an experience in itself.

With an aim towards shedding light on sustainability and healthy eating, Five Farms at Conrad Bengaluru is all about consuming right and supporting local farms.

Showcasing a fusion of absolutely rich and fresh flavours, the offerings at Caraway Kitchen cater to a grazing table which comprises of local cheese and farm fresh produce. Flour and seed conceptual bread station with delicacies like multigrain flour sourdough, chia seeds ciabatta, pumpkin seed and chili focaccia. Leafy vegetable delicacies including Spinach spanakopita, Nutrition bomb, Leafy green shakshuka. Millet based dishes such as ragi mudde, jolada roti, millet biryani along with meat and mushroom delicacies such as lost in forest bolognese, green apron bucket, shitake baked pomfrets.

“Sustainable dining and purpose- driven guest experiences are cornerstone to us at Conrad Bengaluru. We are delighted to curate the Five Farms experience that promises the best of farm to table dining with fresh and indulgent ingredients”, says Chef Prasad Metrani, Director of Culinary, Conrad Bengaluru.

The specially crafted Five Farms experience includes freshness from supporting farms such as Green Apron Gourmet Mushroom, Biofloc Fish Farming, Vallombrosa Cheese, Sweetness of Ethics Honey, Rewets Farm.

Bringing together the best of authentic and fresh flavours, the culinary experience will be exclusively available on the 19th of July 2023 at Caraway Kitchen.
For reservations, please contact:
+91 8884428234 | +91 8884400194

Conrad Bengaluru ropes in Suhas Sharma as Director of Sales

Bengaluru, July 18, 2023: Strengthening its leadership team, Conrad Bengaluru announced the appointment of Suhas Sharma as the Director of Sales. A seasoned hotelier, Suhas brings on board a wealth of experience to his current role where he will drive revenue optimization, strategic partnerships, and spearhead key result areas for sales and marketing activities.

In his diverse career spanning over to 15 years, Suhas has been instrumental in conceptualizing and driving sales strategies across reputed names like Hyatt, Four Seasons, Shangri-La and Marriott International, adding to his professional accolades.

Prior to joining Conrad Bengaluru, Suhas helmed Sales at Renaissance Bengaluru during the crucial post-pandemic recovery period. At Conrad Bengaluru, Suhas will play a key role in driving sales targets in alignment with broad organization goals, strengthen the MICE vertical, lead strategic business development and undertake focused market analysis, while front-ending the cross-functional sales team.

On joining Conrad Bengaluru Suhas Sharma said, “I am delighted to embark on this journey with Conrad Bengaluru – a bespoke luxury property located at the heart of the city. In my new role, I endeavour to build value-driven sales and marketing strategies with agility, innovation, and guest experience at the forefront of everything we do.

Outside work, Suhas has a penchant for photography, travel, and gardening. Suhas has a keen understanding of ancient Indian agricultural techniques and devotes time to pursue his passion towards sustainable farming and conservation agriculture.

MYOP Perfumes: Unveiling a Symphony of Customization, Quality, and Sustainability

July 2023:

Make Your Own Perfume (MYOP), an innovative perfumery brand, has transformed the fragrance industry by offering high-quality scents that are accessible and affordable to the Indian market. With a strong commitment to reinvention, MYOP provides a diverse range of fragrances that can be customized and personalized, catering to individual preferences at an affordable price point. The brand’s unwavering dedication to delivering exceptional quality sets MYOP apart. Not only does MYOP prioritize personalized perfumery, but it also demonstrates a strong devotion to sustainable practices.

MYOP’s commitment to exceptional quality is reflected in its meticulously crafted fragrances. Using the finest ingredients sourced from around the world, MYOP creates one-of-a-kind scents that exude elegance, charm, and a distinct character. The brand’s dedication to delivering an unforgettable olfactory experience has garnered the trust and admiration of fragrance enthusiasts.

In addition to its remarkable fragrances, MYOP offers customers the exclusive “MYOP fusion” option, allowing them to blend multiple fragrances and create their desired scent. This unique customization feature empowers individuals to craft a fragrance that perfectly suits their preferences. Moreover, MYOP’s fragrances are specially designed to withstand the Indian weather, ensuring exceptional longevity.

Driven by its commitment to personalized and enduring fragrances, MYOP has experienced rapid growth, expanding to 25 retail outlets and establishing an online store as of February 2023. This success can be attributed to the brand’s ability to resonate with customers and provide unparalleled innovation and craftsmanship.

CEO and founder, Rayhan, emphasizes the profound impact of perfumes, stating, “At MYOP, we understand that fragrances go beyond being mere scents in bottles. They have the power to awaken our senses, evoke emotions, and symbolize cherished moments. That’s why we strive to create exceptional products and experiences that are as unique as the individuals who wear them.”

MYOP invites fragrance enthusiasts and individuals seeking an immersive experience to explore their range of perfumes and discover the transformative power of scents. Through artistry, innovation, and passion, MYOP has established itself as a trailblazer in the perfumery industry.

Addressing the Gaps: Wiley survey reveals challenges and opportunities in tech careers for young talent in India

Noida, 18 July 2023 – Wiley’s global talent development solution, Wiley Edge recently conducted a comprehensive survey targeting 200 senior IT decision-makers and approximately 1,000 young professionals aged 21 to 25, working in Indian tech enterprises. The survey explores the state of diversity in tech workforces amongst mid and large-size enterprises in India. It also identifies various challenges and opportunities within the sector, with a focus on Gen Z professionals and entry-level roles in the tech industry.

Education gap: Limited Awareness of Tech Careers hinders candidates’ pursuit in the field

The survey findings cite a lack of awareness as a primary reason for the shortage of candidates in India’s tech industry. Indeed, 46% of young professionals report that tech careers were not promoted much to them, with that figure rising to 50% for women, while 52% didn’t receive the push even during college. 8% of young professionals said they never received sufficient information about tech careers, including 10% of women, and they instead relied on independent research about careers.

Motivations Behind Joining the Tech Industry

When asked about their motivations for entering the tech sector, despite limited education and encouragement in school or college, 39% of respondents said their independent research on various industries led them to believe that tech provided the greatest opportunities. Additionally, 35% were inspired by prominent figures or media, 23% received encouragement from friends, 23% possessed a natural affinity for science and mathematics, and 21% were influenced by their parents.

Promoting Careers in Tech: Opportunities & Challenges

The survey reveals mixed sentiments among young talent in the tech sector. 30% of Gen Zs viewed tech careers as futureproof. Concerns arise with 36% perceiving the industry as male-dominated, 20% feeling unwelcome, and 20% lacking awareness of job opportunities (22% among women). Overall, 45% of respondents reported positive experiences in the tech industry, with 30% describing them as mostly positive. However, women highlighted specific challenges they encounter.

Among women surveyed, 25% felt uncomfortable in their current roles, and 34% expressed a desire to leave their roles because they felt unwelcome or uncomfortable. These challenges were attributed to factors such as organizational culture/leadership (30%), lack of support/resources (33%), lack of appreciation/rewards (33%), lack of growth opportunities (40%), and unequal treatment/gender pay gaps (30%). Additionally, 32% of women said they faced discrimination in the tech recruitment market.

The Recruitment Struggle: Difficulty Attracting Women at All Levels

Within the tech industry, businesses face an ongoing battle to recruit women for various roles. A staggering 45% of companies encountered difficulties in attracting women for entry-level tech positions, 28% for mid-level roles, and 20% for senior-level openings. For a notable 13% of organizations, the struggle spans across all levels, while 20% of businesses found the process of recruiting women for tech roles easy.

Awareness versus Action: A Disconnect in Addressing Gender Diversity

While many businesses acknowledged the pressing issue of gender diversity, awareness does not always translate into effective action. A substantial 69% of surveyed companies actively recognized and attempted to address the lack of gender diversity within their organizations. However, 8% are aware of the problem but grapple with knowing how to approach it. 3% have come to accept the lack of diversity as a normal occurrence in the tech field.

Additionally, 37% of businesses admitted to having a gender pay gap problem. 74% of businesses that admitted to having a gender pay gap problem are struggling to close it. Moreover, 54% of companies found it challenging to retain female tech talent. More than one in 10 businesses lack a comprehensive diversity and inclusion strategy.

Supporting Women in Tech: Steps Towards Inclusivity

Despite the prevailing challenges, businesses are taking steps to support and empower women in the tech industry. An impressive 81% of companies offer mentorship programs tailored to women employees, providing invaluable guidance for their professional and personal development. Furthermore, 63% of organizations prioritized internal development, aiming to cultivate women leaders from within their ranks. In fact, only 16% reported hiring women from outside the company for senior-level openings. In recognition of the needs of women in the workforce, 70% of businesses have updated their benefits packages, while 39% have implemented flexible working policies to attract and retain more women.

Expanding the Talent Pipeline: The Key to Diversity Improvement

To enhance gender diversity, businesses must widen their junior talent pipeline. However, despite the lack of diversity at top universities, 85 of companies exclusively hire graduates from these institutions. Additionally, 28% of organizations display a preference for graduates from prestigious universities.

Diversifying the Hiring Process: A Path to Attracting and Nurturing Diverse Talent

The findings reveal that while progress has been made to diversify tech workforces, there is still room for improvement. The implementation of anti-bias hiring practices has yielded positive results, with 98% of businesses noticing an improvement, and an impressive 73% experiencing a significant positive impact. However, 48% of companies lack gender equity targets, 57% do not utilize neutral job descriptions, and 75% fail to request gender-diverse shortlists from recruiters or adopt blind CV reviews. Furthermore, almost one in 10 businesses lack a system to identify and support diverse graduates who may require additional assistance.

Conclusion

Bridging the education gap and promoting diversity are key to unlocking potential in the tech industry. Wiley Edge’s latest Diversity in Tech report in India emphasizes the need for greater awareness and encouragement, especially for young women professionals. While businesses recognize gender diversity’s importance, translating awareness into action remains a hurdle. To achieve true equality, organizations must widen the talent pipeline and diversify the hiring process.

Commenting on Wiley Edge’s first-ever India survey report, Ms. Archana Jayaraj, Director, Partnerships & Talent APAC, and Head of Wiley Edge Operations in India, said, “Our survey findings have provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities within India’s tech talent landscape. The results emphasize the critical importance of bridging skills and diversity gaps within organizations to create inclusive workspaces. Particularly, there is a pressing need to encourage and engage entry-level talent, especially women, not only to consider but also to thrive in tech careers.

“At Wiley Edge, we are deeply committed to our mission of closing skills gaps and fostering an inclusive and diverse future for organizations. Our distinctive hire-train-deploy model addresses education gaps and empowers individuals from diverse backgrounds to excel in the tech industry. By actively tackling barriers such as gender diversity gaps. Wiley Edge provides a diverse talent pipeline to our clients while ensuring equal opportunities for talent across India. We take pride in shaping the future of India’s tech sector by equipping individuals with the necessary skills and driving positive change in the industry.”

Navrathan Jewellers: Where Tradition Meets Contemporary Glamour

Navrathan Jeweller’s Jewellery has long been a symbol of elegance, luxury, and personal expression. Whether you prefer the timeless beauty of diamonds, the vibrant allure of colored gemstones, or the intricate craftsmanship of artisanal pieces, there is a treasure trove of options to choose from that will perfectly complement your fashion sensibilities.

Get ready to be captivated by the timeless allure of jewellery by Navrathan Jewellers to illuminate your beauty with breathtaking designs showcasing traditional craft as well as contemporary designs. Moreover, since 1954, they have impressed each and every customer with excellent jewellery, enhancing your look.

Each piece has a distinctive aura that adds a sparkle to your life with a perfect blend of vibrance and grace that highlights luxurious brilliance. One can choose from a mesmerizing diamond jewellery set which is an expression of heritage and traditions or adorn yourself with delicate jewellery from Navrathan Jewellers that adds a touch of glamour and revamps entire attire from casual dates to evening soirees.

Explore the magnificent world of Navrathan Jewellers and let their spectacular jewellery complete your look. Make a statement that reflects your style, confidence, and love for exquisite craftsmanship. Navrathan Jewellers is here to illuminate your beauty and make you shine like the fashion icon you are.

Rimac Nevera Sets the Production Car Hill Record at 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed

The Rimac Nevera, already the fastest accelerating production car in the world and the production EV with the highest verified top speed, is now also the fastest electric production car to have ever taken on the famous Goodwood Festival of Speed hillclimb as well as the fastest overall production car this year. In the Supercar Shootout on the final day of the event, the Nevera set a time of 49.32 seconds.

The car – fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires – was driven throughout the weekend by Bugatti Rimac Chief Test and Development Driver, Miroslav Zrnčević, who famously spent most of his time on the hill in Nevera during 2022 sideways, in smoky drifts through every corner. But for 2023, the focus wasn’t just on putting on a show, it was on setting a record.

“Taking on the narrow hillclimb at Goodwood, with its tight corners and off-camber sections, is actually one of the scariest places to drive a car quickly. But this is the record-setting year for the Nevera, and Goodwood hillclimb was yet another challenge to conquer. With tens of thousands watching on-site and millions more online, there’s a fine-line between glory and a trip into the hay bales, but I’m so happy to have showcased the incredible work of the design and engineering teams with another verified record for this revolutionary car,” Miroslav Zrnčević, Chief Test and Development Driver, Bugatti Rimac

Throughout the Festival, Rimac Automobili hosted VIPs and customers at its track-side hospitality pavilion, and welcomed guests to join Miro in the car for the hill runs, able to experience for themselves the blistering speed and ability of a car that has been named Top Gear’s Best Electric Performance car, won a Robb Report Best of the Best Award and a GQ Hypercar of the Year.

Throughout the three days of the event, the Nevera wore a livery created by the Rimac design team, inspired by the Rimac BMW e-M3, the brainchild of Mate Rimac and the car that inspired Mate to create Rimac Automobili. Back in 2011, the e-M3 thrust Rimac into the limelight by setting a number of Guinness and FIA-approved all-electric speed records. And now history repeats itself. This livery was first debuted on the Nevera that broke 23 acceleration and performance records in a single day earlier in 2023.

Key to the Nevera’s speed is its advanced battery system, powertrain and software, all developed in-house at the Rimac Group. The front and rear powertrains – each composed of two individual motors – provide power to each wheel individually. At the rear, a 1MW dual inverter enables 900Nm and 470kW per motor, while an entirely bespoke front powertrain is designed to deliver optimum power and control. All systems are overseen by a complex web of in-house developed electronic control units, working in conjunction with an NVIDIA Pegasus-based supercomputer to calculate and send output to the four powertrain systems 100 times a second. The combination of all these systems, and the software that controls them, is known as Rimac All-Wheel Torque Vectoring 2.

The Rimac Nevera is limited to 150 examples and it is currently being built on the outskirts of Zagreb, with deliveries ongoing to customers all over the world.

Yi Jing at Sheraton New Delhi Showcases the Culinary Artistry of Master Chef Liang

Skilfully blending robust and tantalizing flavours of Chinese cuisine

Experience a tantalising lineup of Chinese specialties at Yi Jing as Chef Liang from ITC Maratha, Mumbai infuses time-honored classics with meticulous presentation, and truly unique yet authentic flavours.

One could indulge in a signature repertoire of delectable specialties, a harmonious marriage of spice and subtlety, curated by the seasoned virtuoso of Chinese cuisine, Chef Liang. Chef Liang always has a creative edge and Chinese cuisine is his favourite and forte. Honoured with several prestigious honours from around the world, he has won the hearts of international dignitaries in an illustrative career spanning over four decades.

Each dish on the limited edition TDH menu highlights his unique culinary flair, combining traditional flavours with contemporary creativity. Available in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options having offerings such as Stuffed Lotus Stem with Crispy Garlic, Prawns with Crispy Crumb and Sesame, Sichuan Double Fried Pork, Spicy Chongqing Noodles with Mushrooms, and more, alongside wine-pairing option for a celebratory dining experience.

Yi Jing at Sheraton New Delhi draws inspiration from the essence and meaning of its title. ‘Yi’ means ‘to change’ and ‘Jing’ refers to ‘the classic’, presenting a cuisine philosophy that combines simplicity with contemporary interpretations. The culinary team led by Master Chef Deepak Pujari oversees the curation of offerings from across the diverse regions of China.

Drop by at Yi Jing for a feast for taste buds as well as eyes……

Till 30th July | TDH Menu
Dinner Wednesday to Monday and Lunch Saturday and Sunday
+91 8447100524 / 8800686827

ACC’s Deekali Plastic Waste Project is First in Africa to Earn VERRA Plastic Credit Registration

Global corporates can now purchase verified plastic credits to support reduction of massive plastic blight overwhelming the African continent, starting in Senegal

DAKAR, Senegal – July 17, 2023 – Africa Carbon & Commodities (ACC), an organization driving sustainable solutions for environmental challenges in Africa, today announced the Deekali Plastic Project in Senegal is the first plastic credit project in Africa to meet the stringent requirements for registration for the VERRA Plastic Waste Reduction Standard. The Deekali project now offers global corporate entities the first chance to offset their plastics footprint through the purchase of plastic credits that will support the growth of a circular economy in developing countries while helping to mitigate Africa’s massive plastic problem that threatens oceans and the environment.

The Deekali Plastic Project in Senegal is one of only four programs globally to meet the VERRA requirements for plastic credits. A total of 34 projects around the world are listed on the VERRA directory, currently going through the approval and registration process. For every verified credit, one ton of plastic is removed from the environment or recycled in order to meet the VERRA standard. Under project development lead ACC, the Deekali Plastics Project underwent a two- year VERRA review process and an independent one year audit ensuring the project met all social and environmental requirements as well as monitoring of the plastic waste from its source to its end destination.

The Deekali Project: ACC monitoring staff with employees from one of its recycling centers.

“Gaining the registration status from VERRA is a remarkable achievement, and now plastic credits can be purchased by global companies and organizations, allowing corporates to make a difference in Senegal, a Least Developed Country, which is suffering from immense plastic pollution,” said Nicole Dewing, ACC co-founder and managing director. “The registration marks a major milestone in ACC’s fight against plastic waste in Africa. The program is a necessary tool to start the plastic recovery revolution.”

“ACC’s vision is to use the plastic credits program to help eliminate plastic waste from dumps, landfills, public areas, beaches, and households in Senegal, as well as provide meaningful and well-paid jobs to local residents,” Dewing continued.

The plastic crisis in Senegal is due to an inadequate infrastructure for managing waste and/or poorly or non-enforced regulations on use. While the country has a fraction of the U.S. population, it produces twice the volume of the United States’ mismanaged plastic waste. Senegal’s 521-kilometer coastline is particularly vulnerable.

“Plastic waste in Senegal not only causes very harmful air pollution when it’s burned, but also significantly impacts our marine life, and (by extension) the livelihoods of local fishing communities,” explained Mamdou Sarr, ACC co-founder and executive director. “The plastic credits program provides an incentive for global companies to help developing countries, have a more positive impact, and be a part of the solution.”

How the Deekali Project Works

The internationally approved plastic credit program of VERRA—similar in concept to the more-established and familiar carbon offset credit programs—is a private-to-private market-based system, with a goal of establishing a circular economy. Companies worldwide seeking to find a way to offset their plastic footprint can now purchase plastic credits, and help where the problem is most acute – countries in which solid waste management is nonexistent or inadequate.

The Deekali plastic credit project brings together hundreds of plastic waste collectors and three recycling facilities to combat this blight at the grassroots level. Cash generated by plastic credit sales pays for plastic waste collection targeting either removal from the environment or recycling. The plastic waste is recycled into chips and granules and sold to plastic manufacturers to replace virgin plastic. The Project also produces plastic lumber that is made from 100% recycled plastic, which is used to manufacture school desks, stools, chairs, tables and much more – essentially anything that can be manufactured with lumber.

Macoumba Diagne, director of one of the recycling companies in the Deekali Project, points out that the plastic credits allow his operations to increase the company’s collection and recycling capacity through modernization of its production lines, as well as recruit new employees, and improve employees’ working environment. His employee programs include “One Employee, One Roof,” enabling pre-financing of ecological and affordable housing.

About Africa Carbon & Commodities (ACC)

Africa Carbon & Commodities (ACC) is a leading project developer dedicated to driving sustainable solutions for environmental challenges in Africa. ACC pioneers innovative projects that combat climate change, promote sustainable practices and empower local communities. With a strong focus on plastic waste reduction and recycling, ACC is actively involved in creating a circular economy and supporting organizations in offsetting their plastic footprint. For more information, visit www.acc.sn | info@acc.sn.

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Erica Zeidenberg
Hot Tomato Marketing
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